It all started way back in 1947 where I was employed in Portland, Oregon at a small shop with my working partner Cal Dawson. We heard that our shop was nearing the end of its latest contract, with no new work in sight-a definite sign that there would be a layoff in the near future.

Cal happened to have relatives residing in Alaska at this particular time, who had been encouraging him to come on up North and join them. They further enticed him into doing so by announcing that work was available, then also offered him a house to use, rent free, should he decide to take them up on their offer. Needless to say, shortly thereafter Cal and his wife Wanda, were on their way North to a small town in Southeast Alaska, named Craig. Craig is located approximately 75 miles West of Ketchikan on the Prince of Wales group of Islands. Cal left with the promise that he would keep me informed about his impression of Craig, and also if work was available for me as well.

Less than a week had transpired when I received word from Cal that Alaska was outstandingly beautiful, besides the fact that opportunity beckoned and work was plentiful. Wow! In addition to that we were also offered a place to stay, rent free, for as long as we wished should we decide to come North. My wife and I were rather reluctant to commit to anything permanent, so instead opted to do nothing more than just visit for a couple of weeks. After all, we reasoned, didn't we have two weeks severance pay in our jeans? Weren't we entitled to a vacation. So after such rational and clever thinking, we prepared to venture North. Won't you please join us?

Those of you who have never flown before will be experiencing the same feelings and excitement as my wife and I as we leave the security of our home in Portland to begin our trip North. We shall endeavor to take you along with us, at least mentally if not physically. As we approach the plane for boarding you will no doubt be in awe that this monstrous winged apartment house can actually lift itself from the ground. You will also be amazed that this huge aircraft is capable of climbing skywards so rapidly that cars and buildings below appear as almost indiscernible objects in a matter of seconds.

Upon reaching an altitude in the vicinity of 25,000 to 30,000 feet, the huge craft will soon level off, affording you a breathtaking view of the landscape below. What a magnificent sight when viewed from the air. The whole scenario ever changing, as though viewing through a giant kaleidoscope, only much more defined. Now that we are genuinely committed into heading North, our first stop shall be Seattle, Washington, where we will stay overnight. The following morning, bright and early, we are airborne once more. Very soon after takeoff you will observe the Olympic range of mountains slithering by beneath us, sparkling and glistening in their mantle of new fallen snow.